Wellness During the Holidays: 10 Gifts to Give Yourself

(Last Updated On: November 25, 2022)

THIS IS THE 4th POST IN A NEW SERIES, “KEEPING THE JOY IN YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON”

The holidays are a time for celebration, paying tribute to the reason for the season, and spending time with family and friends. But for many women in midlife, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Between the parties, the shopping, and the travel, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this blog post, you’ll find 10 important holiday wellness tips for having a happier, healthier holiday season. As a matter of fact, I am calling them ‘gifts’, because that is really what these simple tips are. They are ways that you can get the most out of your holiday season while remaining true to yourself and your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

You’ll find tips for wellness during the holidays that uplift you emotionally and address your mental health, care for you physically (the all-important self care), and guide you financially, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities!

And, if you want to read more articles in this series, you’ll find them all listed below.

10 Wellness Gifts to Give Yourself for the Holidays

Physical wellness

1 | Make wise eating choices:

It’s the holiday season, and that means lots of gatherings with family and friends. And of course, there will be food involved in almost all of these celebrations. So how can we enjoy the holiday season without completely undoing all our hard work and healthy diet?

First, let’s talk about making wise choices in what we eat. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean we have to abandon all healthy eating habits. In fact, most holiday dishes can be made healthier by simply making a few adjustments.

For example, swapping out heavy cream for almond milk in a pumpkin pie recipe will lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. And using leaner cuts of meat in holiday favorites like stuffing or gravy will also help reduce fat and calories. So there are certainly ways to enjoy all our favorite holiday foods while still making wise choices.

But what about when we overindulge? It’s important to forgive ourselves when this happens and not beat ourselves up over it. After all, the holidays are a time to enjoy time with loved ones and make memories, not stress out about every little thing we eat.

If we do indulge a little too much, let’s just vow to get back on track with our healthy eating habits after the holidays are over.

2 | Keep up the daily activities, including exercise

The holiday season is a busy time of year, and it can be easy to let your wellness routine fall by the wayside. However, it is important to stay active during this time of year in order to maintain your health and well-being.

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, boost your energy levels, and improve your overall mood. Regular exercise can help to reduce anxiety and depression, something that we may struggle with during the holiday season.

And when you add in the fact that it can help you to better manage your weight, there are even more reasons to make sure that you keep up with your workout routine during the holidays.

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the season derail your wellness goals. Instead, continue practicing self care by making exercise a priority, and you’ll be sure to stay feeling happy and healthy all season long.

3 | Remember to get your sleep

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but it can also be the most stressful time of the year. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining can take their toll both physically and mentally.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. A good night’s sleep can help you stay focused and organized, as well as keep your energy levels up. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

So this holiday season, make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye. Your body (and your family) will thank you for it!

4 | Maintain your routines

It’s easy to let healthy habits fall by the wayside when life gets as busy as it does during the holidays. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy routine during this time of year to avoid holiday burnout.

A morning routine helps to set the tone for the day and can include things like exercise, journaling, or meditation. An evening routine helps wind down the day and can include things like reading or taking a relaxing bath. Both morning and evening routines help to provide structure during chaotic times.

In addition, maintaining healthy eating habits and getting regular exercise is essential for keeping energy levels up and avoiding stress. By taking care of yourself during the holidays, you’ll be able to enjoy the season more fully and avoid burnout.

Emotional Wellness

5 | It doesn’t have to be perfect

It’s normal to feel some extra pressure to create the perfect holiday celebration. But it’s important to remember that striving for perfection will only lead to disappointment and stress.

Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, focus on what will make you and your loved ones happy. Choose activities that you enjoy and that fit your budget and schedule. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family.

By taking some of the pressure off yourself, you can relax and enjoy the holiday season. It’s all going to be okay, however things turn out.

6 | Listen to your heart

As we get older, it becomes more important to listen to our bodies and hearts, especially when it comes to celebrating the holidays. For many women in midlife, this can mean making some changes to traditional holiday celebrations.

Perhaps you need to spend less time with extended family, or you might want to travel less during the holiday season. It’s also important to be willing to slow down and relax more during this time of year.

This might mean saying no to invitations or taking some time for yourself each day to read, take walks or just relax. By listening to your heart and being willing to make some adjustments, you can ensure that you have a happy and healthy holiday season.

7 | Be true to yourself

The holidays are a time when we gather with family and friends, and often overindulge in food and drink. It can be easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season and let our healthy habits fall by the wayside.

However, it is important to remember that taking care of our well-being is an essential part of enjoying the holidays. When it comes to food and drink, listen to what your body is telling you and moderate your intake accordingly.

It is also important to make time for physical activity, even if it’s just a brisk walk around the block. And finally, don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself to relax and recharge. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you stay healthy and happy throughout the holiday season.

Financial Wellness

8 | Create a budget and follow it

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and celebrating, but they can also be a time of stress and overspending. If you’re not careful, the holidays can quickly become a financial burden.

That’s why it’s so important to create a budget and stick to it. By planning ahead and setting limits on your spending, you can avoid going into debt and keep your finances in order. And when you’re not worried about money, you’re free to relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Take some time to sit down and figure out what you can afford to spend. Then stick to your plan and have a happy—and financially healthy—holiday season.

9 | Adjust the holiday gatherings to fit the finances

One of the main sources of holiday stress is finances. From buying presents to travel costs, it can be easy to overspend during this time of year.

However, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without breaking the bank. For example, you can host a potluck dinner instead of going out to eat. You can also make homemade gifts or give donations in lieu of physical gifts.

By making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy the holidays without putting your financial health at risk.

10 | Think outside the box for gift-giving

One way to help keep stress in check during the holidays is to be creative with gift-giving.

Instead of buying expensive gifts that you may not be able to afford, think outside the box and give something that is meaningful and will be appreciated.

For example, you could give a homemade gift, a gift card for a service such as a massage or mani/pedi, or a donation to a favorite charity in someone’s name. By being creative with your gift-giving, you can help to keep spending in check and make the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone.

Remember what is most important during the holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. With all of the shopping, decorating, and parties, it’s sometimes hard to remember what the holidays are really about.

But it’s important to take a step back and be grateful for all that we have. The holidays are a time to celebrate our blessings and connect with our loved ones. So let’s focus on what matters most this holiday season: relationships, not things. Spend time with loved ones, express your appreciation for them, and create new traditions that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Conclusion

How about you, my friend? Will you consider giving yourself these 10 ‘gifts’ for wellness during the holidays?

If you choose to do this, it could make all the difference in how you view yourself, and others, each day.

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